Carina Francke

Scripture: Psalm 57: 1,2 "Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills (His purpose) for me.

In this Psalm David describes his anxiety when he had to seek refuge in a cave from Saul who sought to kill him. He describes his pursuers as "lions, ravenous beasts - men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords."(v5) These people also "spread a net for his feet, dug a pit in his path which made him bow down in distress."(v6)

Despite these circumstances he did not lose focus.  He called out to God Who gave him life and will keep him from harm "to fulfill His purpose for him." (v2).

He declares his dependency on and trust in God, "He sends from heaven and saves me...God sends his love and his faithfulness" (v3) and repeats himself in Psalm138:7,8, " though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me."

Perhaps you find yourself in similar circumstances with no apparent way out. Maybe you feel that people are bent on destroying you and there's nothing you can do about it. No words or advice from others can ease your mind and all you want to do is run, but where to? Run to God and know like David,"You hem me in - behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me." (Ps 138:5)

Do you doubt His ability? Then listen to this:

"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

"Surely the arm of The Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear." (Isaiah 59:1)

God cannot lie - He is Truth and He will make good His promises to you. His promise to you is: "...He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:6)

If sin or unrighteousness in your life prevents you from trusting Him completely, confess those things.  As far as God is concerned, His love for you knows no end.

Prayer: My Father, I've come to the end of my own strength, abilities and planning. I need to find refuge in the safety of Your presence. Only you can intervene and let me live again.  I want to cry out victoriously, "I am alive again!" Amen.